Ah, the joys of spring! Blooming flowers, chirping birds, and if you’re in the PNW…. endless rain. (Okay, jokes on me, it rains here in the PNW ALL. THE. TIME.)
While rain is great for the flowers and the environment, it can wreak havoc on your entryway shoe rack. Muddy shoes and boots can leave your closet smelling musty and unpleasant. This is something I NEVER had to deal with while living in Central California. The first month living here on Whidbey Island in Washington State, I was losing my mind over how smelly and musty and gross my entryway closet smelled, with all the trapped sogginess and forest muck we tracked into the home.
So I had to learn REAL QUICK how to keep the shoe rack and entryway closet smells in check.. so fear not, I’ve got you covered! Here are ten tips and hacks that I have found absolutely vital to keeping your entryway shoe rack clean during the rainy spring months.
1. Invest in a waterproof shoe rack
First things first, invest in a waterproof shoe rack. This will help protect your shoes from rainwater and mud.
2. Place a mat at the entrance
Place a mat at the entrance to your home. This will help absorb excess moisture and dirt, keeping your shoes and shoe rack clean.
3. Use a shoe brush
Keep a shoe brush handy to remove any mud or dirt from your shoes before entering your home. This will prevent the dirt from getting onto your shoe rack.
4. Wipe shoes with a damp cloth
For stubborn dirt that won’t come off with a shoe brush, use a damp cloth to wipe your shoes clean.
5. Use a shoe deodorizer
To combat any odors that may arise from damp shoes, use a shoe deodorizer. You can purchase a commercial deodorizer or make your own by placing baking soda in a sachet and placing it in your shoes.
6. Rotate your shoes
Rotating your shoes will give them time to air out and dry between wears. This will prevent any moisture from building up in your shoe rack.
7. Store shoes in a dry place
Store your shoes in a dry place, away from any dampness or moisture. This will prevent any mold or mildew from forming on your shoes.
8. Use lysol cleaning spray
This one is SO IMPORTANT. I literally use lysol cleaning spray every other day (every single day during active rain) and it really does kill odor causing bugs in the cloest!
9. Clean your shoe rack regularly
Regularly clean your shoe rack with a damp cloth to prevent any dirt and grime from building up.
10. Use a shoe tray
Finally, use a shoe tray to store your shoes in. This will catch any excess moisture and prevent it from getting onto your shoe rack.
By following these tips and hacks, you can keep your entryway shoe rack clean and odor-free during the rainy spring months. So go ahead, embrace the rain, and keep your shoes looking and smelling fresh!
